Northwood University lift the Red Bull Campus Clutch World Finals trophy

Out of the 48 teams that qualified for the Red Bull Campus Clutch - 2022 - World Finals, only 16 qualified for the Playoffs facing off teams from other groups in Best of three matchups. Following hours of intense simultaneous competition, the eight teams progressing to the quarter finals emerged including representatives from Canada, Macedonia, USA, Slovenia, Egypt, Poland, Peru and Czech Republic. However, an hour later 4 of the teams were eliminated and the stage for Semi Finals was set and despite a well-contested effort from both Polish and Macedonian teams, it was Northwood University and o7 going head-to-head in the Finals.

Both teams featuring in this NA vs NA matchup had earned their spot in the finals courtesy fo their dedication and hard work but going into this matchup Northwood University were the eminent favorites since they had yet to drop a single map through all of their eight matchups in the tournament. It had severe Sentinels in master’s Reykjavik 2021 vibes. But o7 knew better than to give up at such a crucial stage of the event.

Before o7 could settle in and plan their move out, the collegiate team had their feet pressed on the gas from the get-go opening Pearl with a 10-2 half with dip and Ali leading the way in terms of Rating and KD. An eight point deficit is nearly impossible to comeback from, but o7 nevertheless tried and managed to secure 4 rounds before Northwood were 1-0 in the series.

On icebox, however, the entire narrative shifted and it was o7 with an aggressive start putting on 8 rounds to Northwood’s 4 by the half and following it up with spectacular defense to finish 13-6. A matchup that seemed one-sided on Pearl had an entertaining twist and the audience were loving it.

With the series tied both teams moved to Haven and once again o7 opened up Attack with such an aggression that the scoreboard at halftime read 9-3. Before they could celebrate having the upper hand, the infamous 9-3 activated and led to their gradual downfall on the defensive end resulting in Overtime being forced at the end of 24 rounds. Braden "dip" Dippel rescued the team’s chances as he took down 5 opponents in consecutive rounds.

O7 desperately needed a comeback on Bind to force the decider but their realization came a little too late and Northwood’s defense had already adapted to their Offense. With a poor 4-8 half, o7 had no choice but to resign their title hopes to Northwood University who finished the map 13-7 and ultimately 3-1 in the series.

Interview with Northwood University

At the culmination of the event, THESPIKE.GG was granted the opportunity to interview Northwood University players and here's what they had to say.

THESPIKE: You guys did great during all the run through the World Finals, just dropping one map in the Grand Final. I would like to know what was for you guys the key element to keep the good pace, to keep bringing the good results during all the competition?

Dark3st: So basically, once we started playing, the first map was a cakewalk. Like there were no issues, we didn't have any troubles. The second map, I'm 100% sure they knew exactly how we played, so our struggle was finding the cracks and how to basically counter what they knew. And once we were able to fill that void, we came back all the way through, then dropped a single round all the way through. We spend a lot of time together. In most of our matches we have great comms, playing well off each other, and good utility. It just allowed us to steamroll the rest of the maps.

THESPIKE: I would like to know as well how was the experience to play in a LAN event like this, outside of your country and against teams from all around the world?

Dark3st: Honestly, it feels really surreal. Red Bull organized this really well. The production was great and Brazil, honestly, it's a really cool place. We didn't get to travel much because we were very busy, but the little events we had to go to, they're pretty fun. So it was honestly a really good time.

THESPIKE: Here in Brazil, the crowd usually picks the underdog team or the least favorite. So I think you guys had a small share of the crowd today. I would like to know if you guys felt the pressure in a way or you guys did it just fine?

furbsa: Honestly, it gave me less pressure. It was like less pressure because no one really wanted us to win. So it made me want to win more, but didn't put any expectations or pressure. We basically had nothing to lose because no one wanted us to win.

THESPIKE: This one was a great achievement you guys had here today, it was a great step. What are you guys planning for the future, you guys want to keep investing on the competitive scene to become a pro? What are the plans for tomorrow?

Dark3st: We're going to stick together as five. We're going to stay at the school. Our whole goal is to probably become champions again, two times in a row. So all I wanna say is: all the other teams, better be prepared for us.